This week I am going to be doing a defensive segment, instead of the usual offensive plays. There were a couple “web gems” to choose from, but the one I picked was Brendan Ryan throwing out Bobby Wilson on a very impressive play.

I know a lot of Mariners fans are fed up with the play of Brendan Ryan this year, I include myself in this list, but this play shows the real reason he is still in the lineup; his defense and range.

Just like Jack Wilson before him, a great short stop with a terrible bat, Ryan still has the skill to play this position on a regular basis.

It just sucks sometimes when there are some up and coming players who us fans would rather see instead of a veteran who can’t hit worth squat, but can still wield the glove.

Ever since the departure of Omar Vizquel, the Mariners have been in the market for a reliable fan favorite at the six position.

We thought we had it in A-Rod, then again in Carlos Guillen, and again with Betancourt and Wilson. The latest had been Ryan, and now we would like to show him the door in favor of Alex Liddi.

Brendan Ryan does his best Wizard of Oz impression (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

We can’t have it all, but a little something in return for all of the years we have put up with losing would be nice.

Ryan goes deep in the hole

On a 1-2 pitch from Hector Noesi, Bobby Wilson hits a ground ball that looks destined for center field. Noesi tried to swing his glove hand back to stab at it and knock it down, but the grounder was too quick.

Then, out of nowhere, well at least from out of our TV screens, comes Brendan Ryan.

By the time Ryan gets to this ball, it’s only a couple feet left of second base, and about two feet deep in the outfield grass.

The spin

Ryan takes a step, spins, and in mid air, fires the ball to first to nail Wilson by about a step and a half. A classic short stop play.

There really is nothing better in baseball than a beautiful play by an infielder.

This one is tops in my book. Here is a link to the video on our Facebook page.

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